Killing Joke - 'MMXII' (2012)

Cover pic.



Killing Joke is one of the most influential outfits in rock, (post) punk and metal today. Jaz Coleman and Co have been a source of influence for luminaries, like Metallica, Prong, Fear Factory, Ministry, Tool, Nine Inch Nails, Porcupine Tree and Napalm Death. The origins of the band can be traced back to the late seventies. Despite numerous lineup changes Killing Joke is still going strong after all these years.
MMXII is the second album since the reunion from Killing Joke’s original line-up & it pretty much continues where the first (Absolute Dissent, 2010) left off. It offers industrial metal flourishes, but also enough nods to the band’s post punk days back in the early eighties. All these different elements are packaged in surprisingly accessible compositions with very memorable hooks and choruses. This gives “Fema Camp”, “Rapture” and “In Cythera” almost an anthem-like quality.
As with many with the previous Killing Joke albums it takes some time before MMXII really starts to sink in. On the first casual listens there doesn’t seems to be a lot going on tracks like “Pole Shift”, “Corporate Elect”, “Glitch” and “Trance”, but looks can be deceiving. With each successive listen the album gives more of its intricate details and rich textures away. It’s this apparent duality that makes MMXII such an intensely satisfying and captivating listening experience. By the time the mighty roars and wails by Jaz Coleman kick in you instantly know that you’re listening to one of the finest albums of this year.
In short, MMXII by Killing Joke is one mighty fine follow-up record to its illustrious predecessor. This album, with its boundless energy and all its apocalyptic themes, has all the hallmarks of a truly great record.

Track listing:

1. "Pole Shift" - 8:56
2. "Fema Camp" - 5:02
3. "Rapture" - 4:15
4. "Colony Collapse" - 5:04
5. "Corporate Elect" - 3:59
6. "In Cythera" - 4:29
7. "Primobile" - 4:44
8. "Glitch" - 4:48
9. "Trance" - 6:09
10. "On All Hallow's Eve" - 3:21

Total Playtime - 50:47


Personnel:

Jaz Coleman - vocals
Kevin "Geordie" Walker - guitar
Martin "Youth" Glover - bass
Paul Ferguson - drums


Release date: 02/04/2012


Label: Spinefarm Records

Format: Lossless FLAC
EAC/FLAC inc. CUE sheet, M3U & log

Size: 371MB